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Individuals and business entities who wish to place business with an approved surplus lines company must first obtain a surplus lines license from the Ohio Department of Insurance. A surplus lines license permits the person named in the license to negotiate and obtain insurance on property or persons in the state from insurers who are not authorized to transact business in this state.

Individuals who wish to apply for a surplus lines license should complete the Individual Surplus Line Broker Application - (INS3245). Business entities who wish to apply for a surplus lines license should complete the Business Entity Surplus Line Broker Application - (INS3223).

To be eligible for a resident surplus lines license, an individual or business entity must have both a property license and a casualty license. It is further necessary for an individual or business entity to obtain a bond, in the amount of $25,000, from an authorized insurer. The bond should be made payable to the State of Ohio.

To be eligible for a non-resident surplus lines license, an individual or business entity must hold an active surplus lines license in their home state. A nonresident surplus lines agent or agency is required to obtain a nonresident license with a property and casualty line of authority if they will be personally performing the due diligence requirements outlined in section 3905.33 of the Ohio Revised Code.

If an individual or business entity with a property & casualty license merely refers surplus lines business to a licensed surplus lines agent or agency, and receives a commission from the surplus lines agent or agency who places the business, the property & casualty agent or agency does not need to apply for a surplus lines license.

The renewal of a surplus lines license is conditioned upon an agent or agency collecting and paying all premium taxes owed to the Ohio Treasurer of State.

If business is directly placed by a surplus lines agent, and commissions are directly paid to the agent, the agent is directly responsible for the reporting of policy information and the paying the surplus lines taxes associated with such business.

If business is directly placed by a surplus lines agency, and commissions are directly paid to the agency by the carrier, the agency is directly responsible for the reporting of policy information and the paying the surplus lines taxes associated with such business.